LIVIE'S POV. -
The river was flowing in silence, as I sat on the edge, staring at the reflection of the full moon falling into the water. It was laminating the light as if the stars have fallen in the river and are now floating on the water. The cold breeze was blowing and hitting my bare arms as I closed my eyes, enjoying the soft tickles of air. My eyes opened when I felt a hand on my shoulder, lightly tapping it to take me out of my world. I turned my head sidewise to see those familiar pair of eyes gazing at me. Even though I could only see his eyes, from them, I could make it out that he was beaming while looking at me. Those red eyes, which I'm supposed to be afraid of, somehow gave me a sense of security and love. Was I delusional to think like that? Or was there any other reason? I brought my hands up to hold him, but as soon as I touched him, he started to vanish in the air. My eyes gloomed as I watch him disappear in front of my eyes and I just sat there with a heavy heart. I open my mouth in an attempt to speak but it was as if someone was holding my mouth tightly. My throat was burning and I couldn't move my body. I was held tightly in my place. I shut my eyes tightly while stumbling in an attempt to get free from the hold. My forehead was covered in my sweat and now it was getting hard for me to breathe. "H...el..p..." I manage to blurt out while finally able to move my hands. I aggressively moved my hands in the air and shoot my eyes open. A deep long breath escape my throat as I was finally able to breathe normally. My heart was beating faster than ever and my chest was heaving up and down due to my rapid breathing.
I sat up straight looking at my surrounding. Everything was pitch dark. I couldn't see anything until my eyes slowly adjusted to the dark and I slowly started to make it out that I was in my room, sitting on my bed. The sky was still dark, with the moonlight peeking in through the curtains. My mouth was parted to take a deep breath in an attempt to fulfil the lack of air in my lungs. Finally calming down from my fright, I was able to breath normal. Wiping the sweat on my forehead with my long sleeve PJs, I gulp a huge lump in my throat. My throat was drying and I could still feel the burning sensation in them. 'Was it just a dream?' I thought and my eyes turned to look at the clock on the side table. 4.43. The time displayed on the clock made me close my eyes. Stretching my hand to get a hold of the glass, I frown when I didn't find it. "Did I forget to bring the water?" I mumble but my voice comes out equine and dry. I cleared my throat while removing the sheets from my legs and let them touch the floor. The cold marble floor made me shiver for a second before I got adapted to it.
Walking lazily toward the kitchen, I rubbed my eyes to remove the sleep. Taking the water bottle out of the fridge and gulping down half of it, I took a breath of relief. The water made my sleep disappear, and my body relax a bit. I put the bottle back and closed the fridge before exiting the kitchen.
As I was walking back to my room, my eyes caught the sight of the light illuminating Dad's room. A frown appears on my forehead and my legs automatically diverted towards his room. "Why is he still awake?" I mumble and pushed the door slightly open without caring to knock. The sight that grabbed my attention made my heart feel heavy. Dad was sitting on the floor while facing the window as his hand held the small frame. Looking at the frame I can easily tell that it was my mom's picture. The one he has in his room. Somehow, it's the only picture of my mother we have. I gave him a pitiful look before walking towards his sitting figure. He was holding the frame so gently that made me wonder how much love he have for her. That he never moved on and chooses to stay with her memories for the rest of his life. I sat beside him, gaining his attention. He quickly and quietly wiped the tears which were rolling down his cheeks. I chuckle while holding his arm and resting my head on his shoulder. "Why are still awake, squirrel?" he asked while placing the frame back in its place and giving me a soft smile as if he wasn't crying his heart out moments ago. "Dad, it's fine. You don't need to pretend that you're always happy when you're not. That's what I'm here for. To console you. To make feel better. Please don't hide your pain from me." I mumble every word while looking into his eyes and saw how the tears he gulped down came back again. His eyes brimmed with tears as he dunk his head down while sobbing. My eyes also had tears in them. Even though I never met her, I always felt this amazing bond between us. Whenever Dad told me about her, I feel like I'd spent my whole life with her. She was like an angel in my life. You never saw them but you know they're always there. To help you, to guide you.
"Dad." Rubbing his back in a comforting manner, I let him cry. Cause I know somehow he needs to let that out. He needs to let those tears flow that are burning him from the inside. After a few minutes, his sobs were subtle before he looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. Wiping off his tears, he turned to look at me and I heard him chuckle while bringing his hands to touch my cheek. He wipes my cheek making me realise that I was crying too. "My princess is so sensitive," he said embracing me in his chest as I couldn't help but shed more tears. "Is it because of me?" My voice muffles in his chest as he slightly parted to look at me as I blink my eyes. "What?" He asked now sitting straight giving me his full attention. I tuck my hair behind my ear while looking out of the window. "Am I the reason why Mom is not with us today?" I again looked back at him with my guilty eyes and saw how his eyes widen in horror. "No, no, no, squirrel!! What made you think like that? It's not your fault dear. It's...it's... No one's at fault for this." His words trailed off as he cupped my cheek starting deep in my eyes. I couldn't hold my tears and broke into ugly sobs. He caressed my head in an attempt to calm me down as my tears fell non-stop. "No Livie. Don't cry. Your mom will be so upset if she saw you like this." He said bringing my head up and making me look at him. "It's not your fault that she's not here today. It was written in our fate that we were meant to be with each other for only that period. When our time got over, she left. But that didn't change my love for her. I still love her, the same." His eyes flickered towards the moon shining in the sky. I followed his gaze and saw the white star brimming in the sky so proudly. No one can beat its beauty and it knew it very well.
"Your mom loved you so much. You were her life. She used to tell me that she loves you more than me." He spoke not averting his gaze from the moon while I stared at him. "When she handed you to me for the very first and last time, she took a promise from me, that no matter what, I'll always protect you. I will keep you first in everything. You'll be my priority." He brought his gaze to me as I tilted my head wanting to hear more about her. "That promise I made that day, was the cause why I reacted like this today." His gaze lowered with guilt as I shook my head bringing his head up. "No Dad. You were right." I said trying to take away his guilt. He chuckles while holding my hands which held his cheek. "Live. Will you promise me one thing?" He asked with hope in his eyes and I nodded vigorously without any delay. "Promise me, that you'll never leave me. You'll always stay with your Dad. You'll always make him your priority." My mind went unconscious while my gaze stayed fixed on him. I wanted to understand the pros and cons of this but looking at Dad's desperate gaze, my head nodded as I made a promise for my life. Not only to him but to myself too.
"I promise you, Dad. No matter what, you'll always be my priority. And I'm never leaving you." Saying this I embrace myself in his arms, looking at Moon unknowingly, as he smiles with his eyes close, holding me near to his heart.
NEXT MORNING -
The fresh smell of food entered my nose as soon as I came into the living room. My lips curved upwards forming a smile on them as I impatiently strolled towards the kitchen from where the smell was coming. I peek inside and saw Dad cooking while wearing an apron. A childish giggle escape my lips as I tiptoed behind him and as I stood right at his back, he turned around. "Boo!!" I said as he flinch and stepped back, knocking off some things on the counter. His hand flew to his chest as he goggled at me with a horrified gaze. My laughter echoed in the kitchen while he stood there frozen looking at me historically laughing. "Livie!!!" He called out my name making me stop for a second but looking at his expression I couldn't hold back my laugh as I burst again. He just shook his head in disbelief and continue doing his work, ignoring my presence. When I calmed down from my buster, I walk towards the other side of the counter and sat on the chair.
"Good morning Dad." I wished him to which he just glanced at me and ignore me with a pout on his lips. I giggle looking at his expression. "You're getting naughtier day by day." He complained like a mother while stirring the spatula in the pot of whatever he was making. I just stared at him with a smile on my face. The memories of last night made me wonder how can this man be so strong. But my smile faded as soon as he said his next words.
"I think I should get you married, so you'll be disciplined."
TO BE CONTINUED ||